| In this article we discuss the tests that should be | | | | stain, choana gram stain, and Chlamydia test may |
| considered in a variety of different cases, or | | | | be recommended. X-rays are extremely helpful in |
| what we refer to as a sick bird decision tree. | | | | the investigation of any sick bird. |
| First of all, is there any chance this could be a | | | | Birds showing symptoms such as twitching, |
| contagious infectious disease? In order for this to | | | | dizziness, lethargy, seizures, falling, or even |
| be the case, the bird must have been around | | | | lameness may be suffering from heavy metal |
| other birds in the relatively recent past. If, for | | | | toxicity. Blood can be submitted to test for Zinc |
| instance, the bird was just purchased from a pet | | | | and Lead levels. |
| store, it is very likely it came into contact with | | | | Chronically ill birds may have fungal cultures or |
| other birds before or during its stay at the store | | | | titers run. In many cases, the use of Protein |
| making infectious disease more likely. | | | | Electrophoresis is useful to characterize the nature |
| Has the bird been exposed to an environmental | | | | of a chronic disease process. Whenever we notice |
| toxin such as zinc or lead, or an inhaled toxin such | | | | a swelling or lump, aspiration and cytology is |
| as smoke or paint fumes? | | | | recommended to determine if there are tumor |
| What does the bird eat? Note that this is | | | | cells present. |
| frequently not the same as what the bird is fed. | | | | Birds who are picking at themselves or who have |
| Could the illness be diet related? | | | | lesions on the skin may need a skin scraping, |
| Could this be a reproductive problem? | | | | impression cytology, or biopsy |
| Is there any evidence of organ disease such as | | | | If your bird has regurgitated or passed undigested |
| heart, liver, kidney, or pancreas? Could there be a | | | | food, X-rays including a GI contrast study should |
| mass or tumor? | | | | be performed to screen for Proventricular |
| If the bird has been around other birds in the | | | | Dilatation Disease and other diseases that cause |
| relatively recent past or is from a pet store, bird | | | | these symptoms. |
| auction, breeder, or aviary within the last several | | | | Birds presenting with respiratory distress should |
| months then testing for infectious diseases comes | | | | be handled as little as possible. It is possible to |
| first. This includes a fecal float, fecal smear, fecal | | | | take X-rays, to Transilluminate the trachea, and |
| gram stain, choana gram stain, Chlamydia test, | | | | to examine the interior of the trachea to check |
| bacterial culture and sensitivity when indicated, | | | | for obstruction. |
| testing for other specific infectious diseases when | | | | Sneezing, swelling or redness around the face or |
| indicated, and a blood count or profile (a profile | | | | eyes is an indication for irrigation of the nasal |
| includes a complete blood count and a complete | | | | cavity and collection of samples for wet mount, |
| set of biochemical tests). | | | | gram stain, culture, and Chlamydia testing. |
| If the bird is being introduced into a home with | | | | Whenever indicated, we can perform endoscopy |
| other birds, an aviary, or a boarding facility, then | | | | to examine the interior of the trachea, abdomen, |
| testing for Polyomavirus and Psittacine Beak and | | | | and air sacs for biopsy, culture, or cytology. |
| Feather disease is also included. This is true for | | | | Whether infections or non-infectious, the most |
| especially valuable or expensive birds also. Sexing | | | | common problems we see involve the |
| can be submitted at the same time. Whenever | | | | Gastrointestinal or Respiratory tract, are nutritional |
| infectious disease seems unlikely, the single most | | | | in nature, or have a behavior or psychological |
| useful test in assessing the bird's health is the | | | | component. |
| profile; but a fecal float, fecal smear, fecal gram | | | | |